Hand-Shaped Lotion and Cream Applicator

ABSTRACT

A hand-shaped lotion or cream applicator device equipped with a handle to allow the practitioner to apply wherever needed. The handle has an integrated reservoir into which lotion may be loaded. The lower portion of the handle acts as a pump to advance lotion or cream for application when pressure is applied. The hand-shaped applicator portion of the device has a multitude of apertures to ensure even distribution of the lotion or cream. The handles of the device come in multiple lengths to allow the user to optimize to their body size. Further, the device is designed to dispense lotion or cream with minimal waste remaining in the tubing when the reservoir is depleted.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 61/355,237 filed on Jun. 16, 2010, entitled “Gentle Touch.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a soft, pliable and hand-shaped device designed for the application of creams and lotions to otherwise difficult to reach areas of the body by an individual.

Many individuals find it difficult to reach certain areas of their body, such as the lower and middle back. In order to apply sunscreen or other lotions, users may be unable to apply it to these areas without assistance from another. While lying on the beach or at the pool, it may be uncomfortable to ask a stranger to assist in the application of lotion. Older consumers and those with reduced flexibility are often unable to reach otherwise accessible areas of the body, such as the legs and feet. The use of applicators is well known in the prior art; however most lotion and cream applicators have configurations that are awkward to use or are of wasteful construction, resulting in limited acceptance by users. A more efficient device is needed to address the issue of lotion and cream application. The present invention attempts to overcome some of the deficiencies of the prior art through ease of use, limiting waste and utilizing an applicator surface configured as a human hand for aesthetic acceptance by users.

2. Description of the Prior Art

There exists in the prior art several patents that attempt to address the issue of lotion application. Each of these devices has several known drawbacks, and fails to address the present need for an easy to use, reservoir containing, and lotion-dispensing device for difficult to reach areas with limited product waste.

Adams U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,180 is directed to a lotion applicator apparatus including an applicator member configured as a human hand for user acceptance. The Adams invention further includes an interior surface formed of a semi-absorbent covering, such as acrylic plush with an exterior surface including a timer mechanism. The applicator member is formed with an orifice accepting lotion directed through an elongated conduit secured to a reservoir container. The reservoir container includes a pump plunger for forcing lotion through the conduit into the orifice centrally located within the applicator member. The Adams invention requires that the user apply pressure to a pump plunger to further advance lotion dispensation, which will likely require the user to cease application and bring the device in front of them or require a significant length of wasteful tubing. The present invention allows for much easier application of lotion by utilizing the handle itself to advance the lotion and is thusly more efficient in terms of ease of use and limiting waste.

Some currently issued patents require lotion bottles of standard sizes to be attached to the device. Evans U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,984 is directed to a lotion applicator particularly designed for use in applying body and suntan lotions, including an elongated body of resilient material configured to simulate a human hand and forearm. An internal passage extends through the forearm portion of the body and terminates in an opening in the central palm area of the hand portion. A sponge applicator includes a perforated mounting plate having a lateral opening. A threaded coupling is provided in the internal passage for connection of the threaded neck of a conventional lotion bottle. The Evans invention has no method of advancing the lotion, requiring the user to shake the device in order to move the lotion from the bottle reservoir to the sponge application point. As such, significant amounts of lotion remain on the sides of the tubing or in the attached reservoir bottle. The present invention addresses this need by having the handle itself act as the advancing plunger for the lotion, resulting in efficient usage and very limited wasted lotion left behind in the device.

Similarly, Grace U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,596 is directed to a device that includes an elongated shaft, with the shaft first end having a hand member. The hand member having a plurality of finger members, with outlet ports extending from the hand member in fluid communication with a reservoir, such that the reservoir permits pumping of fluid through the elongate shaft and subsequently through the outlet ports. The Grace invention requires cumbersome tubing attached to a lotion reservoir such as a typical bottle. Further, the Grace invention requires that such a bottle be pumped to advance the lotion to the dispensing points. As with the Evans invention, the Grace invention leaves significant waste lotion stuck in the tubing, and makes the invention cumbersome and difficult to use.

Nelson U.S. Pat. No. 7,037,016 is directed to a comfort device, which is both an oil applicator, backscratcher and back massager. The device has a hollow handle which includes a volume of liquid that can be applied, with the volume of liquid being lotion, liquid soap, or oil. The applicator end of the device has both a back scratching mechanism and a sponge to allow application of a portion of the volume of liquid. The Nelson invention lacks a pump or other device to push the oil out, resulting in wasted oil trapped within the device. As with the Evans and Grace inventions, this device results in inefficient delivery and high amounts of waste lotion, both issues that are addressed by the present invention.

Steffen U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,418 is directed to an improved lotion applicator that comprises an extendable arm and an applicator member affixed to the extendable arm. A person can grip the extendable arm opposite from the applicator member to reach the back and other hard to reach areas of the body, using the applicator member for applying lotion thereto. The Steffen invention lacks a reservoir, thus requiring the user to apply lotion to the applicator member to then in turn apply it to himself or herself. The present invention addresses this issue by including a reservoir.

Loch U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,824 is directed to a soap applicator that holds a bar of soap for application to areas of the body of a person, particularly those that are hard to reach. The soap applicator is in the form of a hand-shaped soap holder with an elongate handle attached at its base. A recess in the soap holder receives the bar of soap and secures the soap with the use of two serrated flanges. Water is delivered through a tube to the soap holder from a reservoir in the handle. The Loch invention is designed to hold soap and to dispense water. This is a significant departure from the intent of the present invention, which is the dispensation of lotions.

Previously issued patents have failed to address the need for an efficient, waste-limited, lotion-dispensing device that is easily used. Such devices either lack a means of advancing and dispensing the lotion with minimal waste or require difficult pumping methods. Further, the prior art all has limited dispensation through the terminal end of the device. The present invention provides an extremely efficient lotion-dispensing device with a multitude of terminal orifices to simulate the feeling and evenness of a hand applying lotion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of lotion dispensing devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new, efficient and easy to use lotion dispensing device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when applying suntan lotion or other creams.

The present invention assists individuals in applying lotions and creams onto hard to reach areas of the body. Further, the device can reduce the need to stretch awkwardly in order to reach the back, the legs, or other parts of the body that may otherwise be difficult to reach without assistance. The present invention is especially useful for applying sunscreen to one's back while at the beach or pool. The applicator is convenient, practical and functions with virtually any type of cream or lotion, including those containing medications.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an easy to use lotion and cream applicator. To attain this, the present invention comprises a lotion-dispensing device formed with a hand-shaped applicator with an interior or palm surface. On the palm surface are a multitude of apertures to allow for lotion release and even application. The device integrates a lotion reservoir into the handle, with the handle acting as a pump to advance and dispense the lotion.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide even and thorough application of sun tanning and other lotions using an integrated pump handle to advance lotion from the reservoir to the hand-shaped cream applicator. Further, the hand-shaped cream applicator will have a multitude of apertures allowing for even dispensation of the cream or lotion.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an easily portable and properly functioning device that works with any manner of lotion to allow the practitioner the ability to easily apply the lotion wherever and whenever necessary.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the present invention with a filled reservoir and fully extended pump handle.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view showing the present invention with a filled reservoir and fully extended pump handle. The present invention is a lotion or cream application device 10. A hand-shaped applicator 11 is affixed to one terminal end of a hollow upper handle 12. Affixed to the other terminus of the upper handle 12 is a cream or lotion reservoir 13, into which a pump handle 14 for advancing the loaded cream or lotion 15 is inserted. The pump handle 14, when advanced, pushes the loaded cream or lotion 15 from the reservoir 13 through the upper handle 12 and out a multitude of apertures 16 on the hand-shaped applicator 11.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of the present invention in use. The practitioner grips the pump handle 14 and pushes it into the reservoir 13 to advance the loaded cream or lotion 15 through the upper handle 12, and out a multitude of apertures 16 on the hand-shaped applicator 11. The hand-shaped applicator 11 is rubbed on the desired portion of the body, thus applying cream or lotion 17 to the chosen area.

In use the present invention is designed to assist in the application of creams and lotions. The invention consists of a soft, pliable hand-shaped applicator 11 device with a multitude of apertures 16 on the palm area. The hand-shaped applicator 11 may be connected to a hollow upper handle 12 of a desired length. Additionally, the upper handle 12 will be hollow, but will have minimal internal volume within to prevent excess lotion from becoming trapped and wasted. The upper handle 12 is secured to a lower reservoir tube 13, which may be loaded with any lotion or cream 15. Attached to the reservoir tube 13 is a pump handle 14, which will advance the lotion through the upper handle 12 into the hand-shaped applicator 11. The pump handle 14 may have a round knob that allows the user to dispense the lotion.

The present invention is designed to allow the practitioner to apply lotion or cream to any desired location on their body easily and with a minimum of wasted lotion. Both the pump handle 14 and the upper handle 12 may be of a variety of lengths or be adjustable to allow the practitioner to select the optimum for their body. To minimize waste, the pump handle 14 is designed to slide and fit completely into the reservoir tube 13 when advancing the lotion or cream to the hand-shaped applicator 11. Further, the hollow portion within the upper handle 12 is minimized, such that the minimum amount of lotion will remain inside when the reservoir tube 13 is exhausted. The reservoir tube 13 may be partially translucent or clear, such that the practitioner may see the given amount of lotion remaining. The applicator 11 is hand-shaped to maximize comfort and ensure that the lotion is evenly spread where desired, preventing patchy application. Further, the hand-shaped applicator 11 may be made of foam, sponge, plastic or any other material to approximate the soft, pliable feeling of a human hand.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

1) A lotion or cream applicator device comprising: a hand-shaped applicator with a plurality of apertures to dispense lotion therefrom; a hollow upper handle tube to which said applicator is attached to said upper handle first terminus; a lotion reservoir with one end attached to a second terminus of said upper handle tube; and a pump handle that is inserted into an end of the reservoir opposite of said upper handle tube attachment, whereupon pressure is forces cream or lotion from said reservoir through said upper handle and into said hand-shaped applicator and through said apertures. 2) The device in claim 1, in which said upper tube and said hand-shaped applicator internal volume is less than said pump handle internal volume to prevent wasted lotion. 3) The device in claim 1, further comprising an upper handle and pump handle that are adjustable in length. 